The Covid pandemic not only resulted in thousands of deaths, debilitations, and economic and other losses across the world, but also leaves a deep an indelible mark on human psyche, behaviour and society. There is evidence from USA that during the early stage of the pandemic, about 44% of the people felt that the pandemic has changed their lives in a significant way. Although such evidence is rare in most other countries, it is obvious that the impact of the pandemic is likely to linger on in the hearts and minds of people for decades and even centuries. The post-Covid world may not be the same again. Viewed from a holistic perspective, the pandemic had both negative as well as positive impacts, although the former may far outweigh the latter.
It was in this backdrop that the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka organised this workshop with the support of the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA) and with financial support from the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP).
This report documents the proceedings of that workshop.
